This coming Lord’s Day we will be taking a third and final look at 2 John 1:4-6, with particular emphasis upon verse 6, where the Apostle John says,
“And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.”
You will remember that the subject immediately under consideration is the way the believers in the local Church to whom John wrote were “walking” (v. 4). And, of course, by that word “walking” John is referring to how they, as Christian people, were living their lives every day in the real world. The word “walk,” which we encounter a number of times in this brief letter, is a common New Testament symbol for the believer’s conduct, his or her lifestyle, the manner in which the Christian carries out his or her life, in all of its complexities and details, each day. And up to this point, John has depicted the believer’s “walk” as most distinct in two wonderful ways. The believer’s life is distinguished by “truth” (v. 4), and by “love” (v. 5).
As we consider both the implications and contemporary applications of this passage, we need to see the beautiful link between these two blessed graces, “truth” and “love.” These are blessings that we often find coupled together in the Scriptures. You might at once think of Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesian believers to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), or even the Old Testament’s admonition from Proverbs 3:3–“Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.”
What is the significance of this linkage? Why does “truth” need “love,” and “love” depend upon “truth”? And what happens when they are disjointed? And what does it mean for a believer to “walk” in “the truth” and in “love”? Let’s pray that our Lord will answer these questions and speak powerfully to us as we gather before Him in worship on Sunday.
A Word of Thanksgiving
I know you join me in giving praise to our Lord for the wonderful Vacation Bible School we enjoyed this week. The Lord blessed in so many ways, and this was made possible by the loving sacrifice of those who served in a variety of capacities in this year’s VBS. Thank you Ashley, and all of the workers who joined you, in teaching and leading our children into a greater understanding of our Redeemer and Savior! Praise His Name!
I love you all,
Mike
Upcoming Events:
July 23 – Back packs for CARE Center due July 25 – Senior Fellows visit to Larry’s August 13 – New Members Class
Order of Worship:
You can access this week’s Order of Worship by clicking here
The songs for this week are:
O the Deep Deep Love of Jesus
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
It Is Well
Joyful Joyful
Connecting with the Catechism:
Quest. 91. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?
Ans. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them.
I Pet. 3:21; Matt. 3:11; I Cor. 3:6-7.
I Cor. 12:13.
Quest. 92. What is a sacrament?
Ans. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ, wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.
Gen. 17:7, 10; Exod. 12; I Cor. 11:23, 26.
Quest. 93. Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?
Ans. The sacraments of the New Testament are, Baptism, and the Lord’s supper.
Matt. 28:19.
Matt. 26:26-28.
Announcements:
Sunday School IN RECESS: Sunday School is in recess for the summer. We will have a weekly time of fellowship beginning at 10 AM, with our regular worship beginning at 10:30 AM. Sunday school will resume in the Fall.Diaconate Announcement:
Do you have a practical need, or know of someone who does? Your diaconate is most ready and willing to serve you in any way we can. Please simply contact our Chairman, Jack Loose, or speak to any of our Deacons. Our names are listed in the bottom of the bulletin, or you can send us an email at deacons@christpreshamptoncove.org. Any one of us would love to have the opportunity to serve you, so don’t hesitate to contact us.
VBS:
Vacation Bible School was a tremendous success! The kids memorized Phil 2:5-11, and also raised enough money to fund 10 children to attend Bible camp with our missionary Seth Lewis in Ireland. Special thanks to all the volunteers who made this happen. If you are interested, there is a brief video highlighting the week’s activities which you can view here. The password to view the video is “christpres”. To protect privacy, please don’t forward the password. Thanks for your support for this wonderful event!
Back Packs for The CARE Center:
Filled bags for the Care Center are due this Sunday July 23rd. Please return them to the church. Thanks you.
Senior Fellows: OnTuesday, July 25, the Senior Fellows will visit Larry’s Gun and Pawn Shop at 2405 Memorial Parkway SW for defensive training. We will arrive about 9 AM. Meet at the church at 8:15 if you want to carpool. Visitors are welcome Lunch will follow at about 11:30 at Jason’s Deli at 4800 Whitesburg Dr. Join us for lunch even if you can’t make it to Larry’s. For more information contact David O’Neil or Joe Sims.
Ladies Summer Scripture Read Along:
You are invited to participate with all ladies of Christ Presbyterian Church:
Summer Scripture Read-Along in Isaiah, Jeremiah, & Lamentations
HOW: Start in Isaiah on July 3. Read 3 chapters a day, Monday–Friday.
Take the weekend off to reflect, journal, or catch-up as needed.
Then, keep reading following the schedule below!
Read along with us, on your own time, no need to sign-up, just participate if you’re able.
We hope it will be a blessing to our ladies to be united in our devotion to God’s word through this read-along.
Here’s the breakdown: July 24-28 read Isaiah 46-60 July 31-Aug 1 read Isaiah 61- the end.
Wednesday-August 2 Break
Aug 3-4 Jeremiah 1-6 Aug 7-11 Jeremiah 7-21 Aug 14-18 Jeremiah 22-36 Aug 21-25 Jeremiah 37-50
August 28 Jeremiah 51-the end.
Tuesday-August 28 Break Aug 30-31 read Lamentations 1-5
**Look for a chapter guide noted at the bottom of the church’s weekly emailed newsletter.
New Members and Inquirers Class:
The next New Members and Inquirers Class will be August 13 and 20 from 3-5 PM at the church. Nursery will be provided. Attending the class does not obligate you to join the church, but attendance is mandatory if you wish to become a member. Please tell anyone you know who might be interested about this upcoming class.
Prayer Requests:
Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Katie Dyer, Rebecca Berry, Jenan Nuwayhid, Bill and Mitzi Cowley, Nolan Osmer, Pam Thomason, and Sondra Behmer. Expecting: Please pray for the Bryant family, expecting in December. Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); RUF at UAH and Alabama A&M; Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student).